Instructions
Examine your dog's teats. If she is in her first heat, they will be swollen and pink due to the estrogen being released by her reproductive system, which only occurs during a heat cycle.
Examine your dog's vaginal area. If she is in heat, her vulva will be puffy and pink or red in color due to the hormonal change associated with a heat cycle.
Look for traces of blood or straw-colored discharge on her bedding and her vaginal area. Dogs bleed vaginally for the first week of their heat and then have a yellow discharge for the second week. Healthy dogs do not bleed or have discharge unless they are in heat.
Monitor your dog's attitude. She may be more moody, tired, clingy or possessive of items than usual when in heat due to the hormonal changes in her body, which also affect the brain and mood.
Monitor your dog's appetite. Many dogs lose interest in food and are more interested in mating when they are in heat.
How to Know When a Bulldog Is in Heat
After reaching sexual maturity, bulldogs experience an estrus or "heat" cycle approximately every 7 months. This is the only time your dog can conceive puppies, so if you are not planning to breed her, it is important to know the signs of heat to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Dogs have a natural instinct to breed during this time, and without your intervention, your dog can easily become pregnant and contribute to the overpopulation of homeless pets. If your female bulldog is acting different than normal or showing certain physical changes, she may be going into heat.